Puppy Mill dog rescues his puppies

He’s the face of the National Mill Dog Rescue and a mill survivor himself: Harley. Although the organization has rescued 8,039 pups so far, Friday’s was extra special.

A group at the National Mill Dog Rescue building in Peyton was waiting for an exciting moment Friday evening. Dan and Rudi Taylor took one trip to save 19 dogs. Two of them were Harley’s son and daughter.

“Initially, when I heard there were two dogs his son and daughter, I cried. I just couldn’t believe it,” said Harley’s owner Rudi Taylor.

Theresa Strader founded National Mill Dog Rescue six years ago. She and her crew of mostly volunteers have saved countless canines from puppy mills.

“We always have dogs up here,” said Strader.

When she found out Harley’s own puppies were at the same mill where he was rescued, she was beyond surprised.

“It was just astounding. I mean Dan and Rudy just called me and said, ‘We’ll go! We’ll go right now!’ I said, ‘Alright. Let’s do it!'” said Strader.

Harley’s sidekick Teddy is part of the “Harley to the Rescue” team. Something Dan Taylor never thought he’d be a part of.

“Once we learned about National Mill Dog Rescue and started learning about puppy mills and dogs, I don’t know, it just starts becoming part of your life,” said Rudi’s husband.

Nearly 24 hours of driving and three hours of sleep didn’t stop the Taylors from doing what they believe is right.

“It’s tremendously rewarding. It’s easy to set aside everything else that’s important in your life for this,” said Rudi.

Harley knows there’s nothing more important than family, new or old.

If you’re interested in bringing one of these pups into your family, head to http://www.milldogrescue.org or call (719) 495-7679.